"Thank you to the managers I have worked with - Alan, Nigel (Adkins) and Mauricio (Pochettino) - and their teams for helping me and Southampton step up and adapt to every challenge that has come our way the past five years.

"When I grew up there was only one club I loved. I can honestly say now I have two clubs which will always be in my heart and that is thanks to the Saints fans.

"The people who support this club have been nothing short of amazing towards me and, when I look back in years to come, it will be the relationship I had with the fans here which will stand out the most.

"Southampton have allowed me to realise a lifelong ambition by joining Liverpool and taking my family home.

"The five-year plan when I arrived was to get this club from League One to the top half of the Premier League. Against all the odds we have achieved that.

"Now, under Katharina Liebherr's leadership, the club has the chance for new plan, a new chapter, and I wish them all the success in the world."